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By Sunny A. David, Awka
A former Nigerian Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi warned African nations at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) Trade and Investment Summit 2025 in London that a potential second Trump presidency could disrupt global trade.
He urged African leaders to proactively invest in human capital and boost productivity to mitigate the impact.
Speaking on “Africa’s Role in the New Global Economy,” Obi highlighted Africa’s low share of global trade (2-3%) and GDP (3%), contrasting it with its vast potential: a large, young population, abundant natural resources, and significant agricultural land.
He noted that while Africa’s food and agriculture market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, realizing this potential requires improved governance and prioritization of productivity.
Obi criticized Africa’s largely reactive response to previous trade disruptions, advocating instead for a developmental state model similar to Asia’s, focusing on human capital development through education and healthcare improvements.
He emphasized the need for visionary leadership to foster economic self-reliance and global competitiveness, urging African countries to move beyond merely importing Western economic models and instead focus on creating higher value.
Obi concluded that Africa is at a crucial juncture requiring transformative change to leverage its potential and thrive in the evolving global economy.
The summit, attended by global leaders, underscored Africa’s importance in the future of global trade.
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